ARDADELDALI
Protected Area
KK Gili Banta
Why dive here
With 203+ marine species recorded in the area - including manta rays, mobula rays (devil rays), pygmy seahorses, sea turtles and sperm whales - ARDADELDALI offers some of Komodo's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 28-30°C, warmest April, November, December.
Ardaledali is one of those sites that just feels right, a genuinely atmospheric wreck dive in Komodo. We love how the historical context adds another layer to the experience; knowing it was a WWII Japanese motor vessel just before it was scuttled in 1944 gives you a moment of pause. The wreck itself sits upright, mostly intact, starting around 18 metres down. You can still make out the superstructure, and the bow and stern are pretty well-defined. What really gets us about Ardaledali is the way the marine life has completely taken over. Big schools of snapper swirl around the mast, and we’ve seen some hefty groupers lurking in the cargo holds. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs on the deck plating, they’re surprisingly plentiful here. Our favourite bit is exploring the engine room – it’s tight, but the light filtering through the hull creates some fantastic visuals. Visibility can be a bit variable, so we’d suggest going in the morning before any currents stir things up too much. It’s a comfortable dive for anyone with some wreck experience; no major penetrations needed, but plenty to poke around in.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
ARDADELDALI Wreck History
Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
grounding
Resting in the shallows of the world-renowned Komodo National Park, the Ardadeldali is an enigmatic wreck whose specific history is largely lost to time. Given its location and type, it was likely a local Indonesian motor vessel used for transport or fishing that fell victim to the region's notoriously powerful currents and submerged reefs. Breaking the surface at low tide, the wreck serves as a stark reminder of the navigational challenges in these beautiful but treacherous waters. Today, what remains of the Ardadeldali is being reclaimed by nature. It has become a budding artificial reef, offering a fascinating snorkeling and shallow diving experience. The skeletal remains of the hull provide a unique habitat for juvenile reef fish seeking shelter, while new coral colonies are beginning to encrust its surfaces, slowly blending the man-made structure into the vibrant marine landscape of Komodo.
Nearest Dive Centres to ARDADELDALI
Dive shops near ARDADELDALI
Batara Baruna
KALIMAYA DIVE RESORT
Neptune Scuba Diving Komodo
Reviews for ARDADELDALI
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for ARDADELDALI
ARDADELDALI Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for ARDADELDALI, sourced from Copernicus Marine satellite data
August Averages
Sea Temperature
27.86°C
82°F
Current Speed
6.4 cm/s
Direction: NW (308.7°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.174 mg/m³
Clear water
Salinity
33.46 PSU
Data sources: Copernicus Marine Service (EU)
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